OrthoPlus

How Orthoplus Works
The Orthoplus System is a no-braces approach to straightening teeth and jaws.
Treatment uses functional orthodontic techniques to address the poor oral habits (known as Orthoplus functional habits) that are the real, underlying causes of crooked teeth and uses light, intermittent forces to align the teeth. Orthoplus functional orthodontic techniques have been practiced by Orthodontists and Dentists around the world for over 50 years.

This is done through the use of a series of removable dental appliances that are worn for just 1-2 hours each day and overnight while sleeping. Daily use of the Orthoplus combined with regular activities (to improve breathing, muscle function and tongue posture) results in straighter teeth and improved function, leading to optimal facial development and a healthier smile.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CROOKED TEETH

Did you know, 3 out of 4 children have crowded teeth and incorrectly developing jaws. These problems can be seen from as early as 5 years of age. Modern research has shown that crowded teeth, incorrect jaw development and other orthodontic problems are not caused by big teeth in small jaws or hereditary factors. Mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing and thumb sucking (known as incorrect Orthoplus functional habits) are the real causes. Allergies, asthma and an open mouth posture also contribute to incorrect jaw development. Growing up, most of us have had one or more of these Orthoplus functional problems, which may have been the cause of incorrect dental and facial development.

Just getting braces, with or without extractions, does not address the underlying causes of crooked teeth. This is why once the braces are removed, the teeth usually crowd up again, unless poor oral habits are corrected. This is why treatment with braces alone commonly results in the need for life-long retainers.

How can Orthoplus help?

These appliances are designed to train the tongue to position correctly in the upper jaw, retrain the oral musculature and exert light forces to align the teeth.
Wearing a Orthoplus appliance for one to two hours each day and overnight while sleeping, combined with a series of ‘Orthoplus functional exercises’ (also known as the Trainer Activities) each day is all that is required in the treatment process. In a small number of cases, fixed braces may be required for a short time to provide optimal alignment.
The Orthoplus System differs from other orthodontic forms of treatment as it is not only aimed at straightening the teeth, but is primarily directed at correcting the causes of crooked teeth and underdeveloped jaws. This works best for patients who are still growing, around the ages of six to ten. Effective treatment can be done outside of these ages, but habits become harder to correct in older patients. Compliance is very important!

Orthoplus treatment goals:

Breathing through the nose

Lips together at rest

Correct tongue position on tag

No facial muscle activity during swallowing

Good facial development

No braces, retainers or extractions (when possible)

Straight teeth

Healthy hard diet

How does Orthoplus work?

Orthoplus is an evolution of functional appliances that includes Orthoplus functional therapy. It allows early treatment with these appliances that addresses the causes of malocclusion while the child is still growing. It is based on functional therapy exercises, but systemized and modernized so compliance and reproducibility are achieved.
Children wear their Orthoplus 1-2 hours during the day and while sleeping at night. Goals while wearing the Orthoplus are tongue on the tag, lips together and breathing through your nose.
Each month a new activity will be given to the child to master. These activities are to be done everyday for 2-5 minutes using an activities app. The activities focus on breathing exercises, tongue and correct swallowing training. All to achieve optimal development. We make the activities fun!
Unique features of the Orthoplus Appliance

Tooth channels – align the front teeth

Tongue Tag – trains the tongue position

Lip Bumper – trains the lower lip

Frankel gage – Expands the arch form

French Dental Clinic

We want you to know how important it is to treat your oral health as a top priority. Delaying treatment until your oral health has suffered can have serious consequences for your overall health and your appearance